12 May 2026

How long does Shou Sugi Ban last?

Charred timber is often quoted at 80 years. Here is what actually determines the number on your building.

Charred timber facade weathering on a completed building

The charred layer is not a coating. It is a converted surface — the cellulose nearest the face has been turned into carbon, which holds no nutrition for fungi and very little water.

Three things decide longevity: the species underneath, the detailing that keeps water moving off the board, and whether the surface is re-oiled every few years.

Hold a board before you specify it.

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